A Gender-Based Violence Victim In Thohoyandou Limpopo

As part of the Sexual Gender Based Violence Femicide (SGBVF) Program that was launched in Thohoyandou on the 25th of November 2022, the Old Mutual Foundation in partnership with the Collen Mashawana Foundation and the Centre for mental Wellness & Leaderships did a house handover to Tshinanne Siobo who is a victim of Gender-Based Violence. 

The MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba introduced us to Siobo whose home was set on fire by her partner while she and her two children were inside the house. The boyfriend set her alight with liquid gasoline and escaped, leaving her and the children engulfed in flames. Siobo was taken to Siloam Hospital after her neighbours responded to her screams. She was later transferred to Mankweng Hospital where her life was saved but sadly her 10 year old son suffered fatal injuries from the fire. 

Siobo is currently unemployed and lives with her relatives in Morunwa village and the Old Mutual Foundation in partnership with the Collen Mashawana Foundation has built her a new home. 

The house was handed over on the 14th of February 2023. We chose to do this on Valentine’s day which is a day when people across the globe celebrate love by sending messages of affection to partners, family and friends. In the spirit of this day, we hope to have created new and loving memories for Siobo. 

This initiative is a convincing illustration of what can be accomplished when we work together. We also wish to acknowledge the important role played by the Department of Health by assisting Siobo with reconstructive surgery. 

The program seeks to mobilize stakeholders to join efforts in the fight against SGBVF. By creating awareness and adopting strategies which can address the drivers and root causes of SGBVF, together we can save the lives of women and children.